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Balfour gets A's-record 41st straight save

Balfour gets A's-record 41st straight save

7/8/13: Grant Balfour breaks the A's record for most consecutive saves, passing Dennis Eckersley with 41, after closing out the Pirates

By Jane Lee
/
MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- This is why Grant Balfour never wanted to talk about it. He knew he would think about it if he did.

And that is what happened, as thoughts of a record joined him on the mound Monday in Pittsburgh. It was a record Balfour broke, passing Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley's Oakland mark of 40 consecutive saves from Sept. 15, 1991, to Aug. 7, 1992. Balfour put away No. 41 dating back to last year while securing a 2-1 A's win.

It was Balfour's 23rd of the season and 18th that came with a one-run lead.

Most consecutive saves all time

Player

Saves

Team(s)

Years

Eric Gagne

84

Dodgers

2002-2004

Tom Gordon

54

Red Sox

1998-1999

Jose Valverde

51

Tigers

2010-2011

John Axford

49

Brewers

2011-2012

Brad Lidge

47

Astros, Phillies

2007-2009

Rod Beck

41

Giants

1993-1995

Trevor Hoffman

41

Padres

1997-1998

Heath Bell

41

Padres

2010-2011

Grant Balfour

41

Athletics

2012-
present

Dennis Eckersley

40

Athletics

1991-1992

"It's definitely a challenge, and I enjoy a challenge," Balfour said. "I love to compete. Three-run, two-run, one-run, they're all tough, but obviously one-runs are a bit tougher. It's just worked out along the way so far, and I'm very happy to hold on to a record that's been around for a while.

"At the same time, I can't let up. I've got a season to keep pitching in, and I want a lot more. I want to keep winning. I feel like we're doing good things here, and I enjoy playing here a lot. I just want to keep it going."

"Unbelievable," manager Bob Melvin said. "We'd prefer he didn't stop there. I think just as impressive is to do it over a two-year period. You have the momentum when you're pitching really well in one particular season, but to pick it back up again in a second year is impressive."

Since 1999, the only American League closer with a longer streak is Jose Valverde, who compiled 51 in a row for the Tigers between 2010 and 2011.

Balfour is the only Major League closer without a blown save this season, and he has not allowed a run in 15 of his last 16 appearances and 26 of his last 28. They are All-Star numbers for a pitcher who was not named to the All-Star team.

When rosters were announced Saturday, Balfour candidly spoke of his disappointment in this. He was broached about the subject again Monday night and said, "It'd be great to be there, great to be named."

"Let's just wait to see if it works out," he continued. "If I get that opportunity, I'll take it with arms wide open."

In the meantime, he can enjoy a record accomplished by no current All-Star.

"I realize it's been awhile since it's been done," Balfour said, "and obviously Eckersley, who holds the record, was a great pitcher, a great A, and I obviously respect what he did."

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.